Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Lecturer of Gerontological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt
2
Lecturer of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Damanhour University, Egypt
3
Department of Biostatistics, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt
4
Assistant Professor of Gerontological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt
Abstract
Background: Cataract surgery is a day surgery, requiring older adults to manage their recovery independently after being discharged. Coping with post-operative challenges is crucial for faster recovery, as a patient's coping strategy can influence their engagement with their treatment. This fast-paced outpatient nature of cataract surgery requires adequate preparation and education from healthcare providers for patients returning to their homes on the same day of surgery. By combining educational sessions with personalized telephonic support, this research seeks to empower geriatric patients with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective self-management and coping during recovery. Aim: This study aimed to explore the impact of incorporating a self-care management program with telephone follow-up on geriatric patients' self-care compliance and coping post-cataract surgery. Settings: The study was conducted at the ophthalmology surgical inpatient department and the ophthalmology outpatient clinic of Damanhur Ophthalmology Hospital, a facility affiliated with the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population. Subjects: the study included sixty older adult patients, who were undergoing cataract surgery during the data collection period and were conveniently recruited and randomly and evenly divided into control and intervention groups. Those patients aged 60 years and above, demonstrating effective communication skills, scheduled for their first cataract surgery, and admitted to the hospital at least 24 hours before the surgical procedure were included. Tools: three tools were used to collect data; Patients’ socio-demographic and clinical data sheet, Self-care compliance scale, and post-discharge coping difficulty scale (PDCDS). Results: The study group exhibited better self-practice compliance and coping abilities postoperatively compared to the control group. The study group consistently showed higher median scores in self-practice compliance and lower scores in post-discharge coping difficulty at the 2nd, 7th, and one-month postoperative assessments, indicating the effectiveness of the combined self-care management program and telephone support in improving patient outcomes. Conclusion: The study highlighted that implementation of the Self-care Management Program with Telephone Follow-up proved to be successful in enhancing geriatric patients' self-care practices compliance, as well as, decreasing their post-discharge coping difficulties. Recommendations: Develop and implement personalized self-care management programs for geriatric patients undergoing cataract surgery, tailored to their specific needs and challenges. Additionally, providing ongoing monitoring and support for those patients through telephone follow-up to offer guidance, reassurance, and assistance during the recovery period, helps to address any emerging issues or concerns promptly.
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